Being a teenage driver is risky business. In fact, 16- to 19-year-old drivers have a higher accident rate than any other age group, and auto accidents are the leading cause of death for both girls and boys in that age range.
According to the Florida Sheriffs Association, fatal crashes involving teenagers have reached epidemic proportions in Florida. Florida has the highest rate of crashes involving teens ages 15 through 19, the highest rate of deadly accidents and the second highest rate of alcohol-related crashes.
Why are teenage drivers involved in so many crashes? A number of factors contribute, including:
Risk taking
Taking risks includes speeding, tailgating, passing carelessly, violating traffic signals and signs, running red lights, and making illegal turns.
Inexperience, lack of skill
Like most tasks, practice makes perfect, and young drivers simply don’t have much experience behind the wheel.
Low risk perception
Most of us remember the feeling of freedom and invincibility we experienced as young drivers. Young drivers tend to overestimate their abilities and underestimate the dangers inherent in driving (or any other dangerous task, for that matter).
Not wearing seat belts
Data suggest teens wear their seat belts less often than other drivers.
Alcohol
Drinking and driving is a common cause of deadly car crashes involving young drivers. Teens who drive impaired are at a much higher risk of crashing because they lack experience in both driving and drinking alcohol.
Distracting passengers
The risk of being in a fatal crash is three-and-half times greater for drivers aged 16-17 when they have others in the vehicle with them. The higher the number of passengers, the more the risk increases.
Driving at night
Night driving is more difficult for a novice driver. Additionally, teens may be more fatigued at night than in the day and are more likely to be drinking and driving at night. The likelihood of a teen crashing is three times higher after 9 p.m.
A Few Safety Tips for Teen Drivers
(adapted from the California DMV and posted on the TeenDriving.com website)
When you first get in the car, buckle up and insist everyone do the same
Properly adjust mirrors and know where all the controls are, e.g., windshield wipers, light switch, etc. before you start driving
As you’re driving, regularly check your side and rear-view mirrors
Always keep two hands on the steering wheel
When turning, slow down, yield right-of-way when necessary, begin and end turns in the correct lane
When backing up, check your mirrors, look over your right and left shoulders
When changing lanes, signal and check mirror, remember and allow for your blind spot, never dart in front of another car
Avoid tailgating (allow plenty of distance behind the car ahead)
Check your speed often
Limit distractions (loud music, talking to your friends); driving requires focus
Never text while driving
Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Always notify a parent of your whereabouts, route and anticipated time home in case of emergency
Know weather conditions
Pay attention to detours, hazardous road conditions such as potholes, highway construction, etc. and plan accordingly
Being a teenage driver is risky business. In fact, 16- to 19-year-old drivers have a higher accident rate than any other age group, and auto accidents are the leading cause of death for both girls and boys in that age range.
According to the Florida Sheriffs Association, fatal crashes involving teenagers have reached epidemic proportions in Florida. Florida has the highest rate of crashes involving teens ages 15 through 19, the highest rate of deadly accidents and the second highest rate of alcohol-related crashes.
Why are teenage drivers involved in so many crashes? A number of factors contribute, including:
Risk taking
Taking risks includes speeding, tailgating, passing carelessly, violating traffic signals and signs, running red lights, and making illegal turns.
Inexperience, lack of skill
Like most tasks, practice makes perfect, and young drivers simply don’t have much experience behind the wheel.
Low risk perception
Most of us remember the feeling of freedom and invincibility we experienced as young drivers. Young drivers tend to overestimate their abilities and underestimate the dangers inherent in driving (or any other dangerous task, for that matter).
Not wearing seat belts
Data suggest teens wear their seat belts less often than other drivers.
Alcohol
Drinking and driving is a common cause of deadly car crashes involving young drivers. Teens who drive impaired are at a much higher risk of crashing because they lack experience in both driving and drinking alcohol.
Distracting passengers
The risk of being in a fatal crash is three-and-half times greater for drivers aged 16-17 when they have others in the vehicle with them. The higher the number of passengers, the more the risk increases.
Driving at night
Night driving is more difficult for a novice driver. Additionally, teens may be more fatigued at night than in the day and are more likely to be drinking and driving at night. The likelihood of a teen crashing is three times higher after 9 p.m.
A Few Safety Tips for Teen Drivers
(adapted from the California DMV and posted on the TeenDriving.com website)